Debates and Conflicts: Australian Jewry, the Claims Conference and Restitution, 1945–1965

Abstract

Between 1933 and 1960 the population of Australian Jewry more than doubled in size, increasing from 23,000 to 61,000. Given that official government policy prohibited the expenditure of funds for Jewish refugees and survivors, this demographic growth created severe financial challenges for the local community. This article will argue that the involvement of Australian Jewry in German restitution and with the Claims Conference was a significant aspect of post-war Australian Jewish history, one that has not been investigated. The community's involvement was a burning issue with different emerging conflicts. First, there was the question of whether the Australian Jewish community should be involved with what some claimed was ‘blood money.’ Then, there was a battle over representation between pre-war refugees, represented by the Sydney-based Association of New Citizens and the newly created and officially recognized roof body of Australian Jewry, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ). Finally, while the two main Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne largely cooperated in the efforts of the ECAJ, there were some significant tensions. In contrast, the Australian Jewish community was united in regard to individual restitution, but faced difficulties with both the Australian and German governments. How these various debates and issues played out and were resolved was significant for the development of the post-war Australian Jewish community because Claims Conference funds assisted in the resettlement of 25,000 Holocaust survivors in Australia with the resultant growth of the community.